NEWCASTLE were undone by two goals from corners before Tom Cleverley wrapped it up with a sublime finish.

WAYNE ROONEY hailed Manchester United’s defence for getting back to their mean best at one of the Premier League’s trickiest venues.

The Red Devils have leaked goals so far this season but picked up a much-needed clean sheet at St James’ Park.

Early headers from defenders Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra put United in front before Tom Cleverley wrapped up the win with curling cross-shot.

Rooney said: “It’s a great result. Everyone knows this is probably one of the hardest games of the season. We came here, defended brilliantly and fully deserved the victory.

“In the first six games of the season we haven’t defended well enough – not just the back four, the whole team, and today we were brilliant against a physical team.”

Rooney’s joy was shared by his manager with Sir Alex Ferguson delighted to see his side climb into second place in the table.

But United were given a helping hand as the Magpies’ makeshift defence crumbled twice inside the opening 16 minutes to allow Evans and then Evra to head home.

The Toon rallied and came close to getting back into the game five minutes into the second half.

But Demba Ba’s header came back off the bar and Papiss Cisse’s follow-up was clawed on to the post by keeper David de Gea with the home fans and bench claiming the ball had crossed the line. TV replays clearly showed it hadn’t.

Cleverley’s 71st-minute strike from long range ensured the visitors avenged their 3-0 defeat at the same venue last season.

Fergie said: “It was a great result. To come here and win 3-0 against a very powerful and aggressive Newcastle you have to really perform.

“In the second half against Tottenham (in a 3-2 defeat) we were terrific but the first half spoiled the whole day.

“But today we were on top of our game. The concentration was terrific and the determination was there.”

United’s Scots boss admitted opposite number Alan Pardew could feel hard done by that a goal was not awarded, even though replays seemed to show the whole ball did not cross the line. He said: “It’s inconclusive.

“I would be disappointed if he didn’t give the goal for us but the rule is the whole ball has to be over the line.”

Pardew said: “Probably the turning point was whether the ball went in or not and probably from the replay it didn’t.

“It’s tight, looking at the angles I’ve looked and it looks like it hasn’t gone all over the line.

“We conceded two from set-plays and you can’t give teams like Manchester United a two-goal lead.”